Local Industry Experts to Discuss Michigan Craft Beer at Brew Talks

Chris Furnari

Jul. 20, 2015 at 4:40 PM

We’re just 24 hours away from our sixth Brew Talks meetup of the year and we’ve got one final program announcement to make.

Brewbound has invited three insanely knowledgeable industry professionals, all of whom are deeply connected with the craft scene throughout Michigan, to discuss the opportunities and challenges that craft brewers face as they look to grow their brands at the local level.

Joining the panel discussion and examining the local craft market on Tuesday evening will be New Holland Brewing partner and vice president of brand & lifestyle, Fred Bueltmann; O&W Inc. craft beer manager Dennis Smith and HopCat beer program manager Ian Pennisi.

Brew Talks — gatherings designed to provide craft brewers, distributors and retailers the opportunity to come together and have in-depth discussions on the business side of craft beer – will offer attendees an excellent opportunity to gain business lessons and network with other beverage entrepreneurs.

In addition to hosting conversations with local beer industry experts, Brewbound will also be raising funds for Grand Rapids Whitewater, a non-profit organization working to restore the Grand River. 100 percent of registration proceeds ($15/person) will be donated to Grand Rapids Whitewater.

About the Speakers:

Fred Bueltmann is an owner of New Holland Brewing Company, where he serves as the vice president of brand and lifestyle. He is a nationally recognized expert on pairing beer and food, and a Certified Cicerone. Bueltmann is past president of the Michigan Brewers Guild.

After spending more than three years with Boston Beer Works, Dennis Smith moved to Michigan to pursue an opportunity Jolly Pumpkin Café and Brewery. He’s served as a craft beer manager for O&W Inc. since 2013.

After a brief stint with Imperial Beverage, Ian Pennisi joined HopCat in 2012 and would eventually take over the the company’s beer program manager in Ann Arbor, Mich.

About Brew Talks:

Since hosting our first event in the basement of a craft beer bar in Boston in 2013, the meetup series has developed into a multi-city tour where beer industry professionals can come together inside of some of the country’s most recognizable craft breweries and share business insights with one another.

The Brew Talks program is designed to provide members of the beer community with an opportunity to come together and have in-depth discussions on the business of craft beer. The events are also broadcast globally via a free live stream.

Through its five meetups this year, Brewbound has connected with more than 650 beer industry professionals and raised over $7,200 for local non-profit organizations.

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